Foundation garment (6) Crossword Clue
Answer: GIRDLE (6 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Foundation garment" with 6 letters is "GIRDLE".A girdle is a type of foundation garment, typically worn to shape and support the waist and hips. Historically, it was used to slim the figure, but modern girdles are more about providing smoothness and support under clothing.
Why “Girdle” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (6 letters) meaning “foundation garment.” The answer, GIRDLE, fits exactly:
- Foundation garment: A girdle is an undergarment designed to shape and support the waist and hips, often worn under dresses for a smooth silhouette.
- Direct match: With 6 letters, girdle matches the clue’s enumeration perfectly.
- Precise meaning: It specifically refers to a garment historically categorized as part of women’s foundation wear.
The girdle has cultural, historical, and fashion importance:
- Origin and usage: From Old English gyrdel (“belt, sash”), originally describing a band or belt tied around the waist. Over time, the term evolved into a structured undergarment.
- Contexts: Common in mid-20th-century fashion as a shaping garment; similar to a corset but typically lighter and more flexible.
- Examples: “She wore a girdle beneath her gown for added support,” or “Vintage fashion often included girdles as standard foundation garments.”
Quick crossword clues like “foundation garment (6)” depend on recognizing everyday clothing vocabulary:
- Alternatives like corset (6) might seem plausible, but girdle is a direct and common synonym in the “foundation garment” category.
- The 6-letter enumeration points precisely at this word rather than longer alternatives like petticoat.
- Given its clear length, fashion relevance, and traditional usage, girdle is the correct crossword solution.
